Death after police tussle

Investigation continues after man resisted police

By Kenneth C. Crowe II

Updated 9:01 pm, Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Greenport

A 54-year-old town man died after a struggle with police who found him walking in a roadway on Tuesday, State Police said.

Ronald Wood was pronounced dead at Columbia Memorial hospital in Hudson at 10:10 p.m. Tuesday, roughly one hour after police first approached him near Joslen Boulevard and Green Acres Road. A caller to Columbia County 911 told a dispatcher a man walking in the road was obstructing traffic, troopers said.

Greenport police Officer Steven Rose found Wood in the roadway, State Police said. He appeared agitated and quickly became combative with Rose, who called for backup.

More Information

Troopers Jason Manchuck and Michael Singleton were sent to help Rose, troopers said.

Police said Wood became "unresponsive" as police tried to restrain him. They began cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

An autopsy was performed Wednesday by Dr. Jeffery Hubbard at St. Peter's Hospital but the cause of death could not immediately be determined. Toxicology tests will be performed.